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But for the average car owner, you can expect to pay between $140 and $300 for a professional mechanic to replace the thermostat in your vehicle for you. The cost of the actual thermostat unit itself is usually between $20 and $80 but can be more for luxury or sports cars.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?
Bad Thermostat Symptoms Overheating Engine. If the thermostat stays closed, the engine’s coolant cannot reach the radiator and, therefore, cannot cool down. Temperature Fluctuations. Heater fluctations. Possible Leakages & Steam from engine. Rising Temperature and Full Expansion Tank.
Can you drive a car with a bad thermostat?
Can I Still Drive with a Bad Thermostat? The easy answer to this question is no. While your car may be physically able to move and get you from Point A to Point B, you will want to refrain from operating your vehicle. This can lead to more parts of your vehicle being damaged, especially if the engine is overheating.
How much does it cost to repair thermostat?
Most homeowners spend between $110 and $305 to repair a thermostat. Exact costs range from about $50 to $500, with a national average of $207. The price may will depend on factors like the model you own and whether it has a warranty.
Can a car run without a thermostat?
Yes, your car can overheat even without a thermostat. The thermostat allows the engine to come up to normal operating temperature faster by shutting off or restricting the flow of coolent in the engine. When your engine is up to operating temperature, the thermostat is completely open.
How do I know if my car thermostat is bad?
To be sure, remove the thermostat from the engine and drop it into a bucket of boiling water (over 200 degrees). The thermostat should open while it’s submerged close once it’s pulled out. If it fails this test, the thermostat is defective and should be replaced immediately.
What causes a thermostat to fail?
Thermostats fail because they become weak, stuck open or stuck closed. When a thermostat is stuck open, coolant constantly circulates and the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature.
What happens when car thermostat fails?
By keeping coolant from entering the engine, the engine will overheat. If a thermostat fails as it is stuck partially or completely open, the vehicle may be unable to reach its full operating temperature, which uses more fuel and can prevent the cabin heater from reaching full heat.
How long do thermostats last car?
However, most car experts recommend car thermostat replacement after 10 years. However, this is an optimistic number. Thermostats are more likely to stop working much earlier than a decade. Some factors that induce an early thermostat failure include harsh weather, rough driving, bad engine or thermostat parts.
How much does it cost to replace radiator thermostat?
Between $217 and $253 is the average price for a thermostat replacement. Labor costs are between $117 and $149 and parts are between $100 and $104. Taxes and fees aren’t included in the estimate.
Can a bad thermostat cause overheating?
Faulty Thermostat The thermostat controls the flow of the coolant. Once the engine reaches operating temperature, the valve will open and coolant will begin to flow through the engine. A faulty thermostat might remain closed even when the engine is hot, which can quickly lead to overheating.
How much does a thermostat cost?
Thermostat Costs The national average cost is $175. The thermostat will run between $15 and $300, depending on the type and its features. A licensed electrician can typically set one up in fewer than two hours at a rate of $65 to $100 per hour.
Can I drive my car if the thermostat is stuck open?
Yes, a car can be driven with a thermostat stuck open. Its when the thermostat is stuck closed, that causes the car to over heat.
How do you tell if you need a new thermostat in your car?
Here are the signs your car thermostat is failing: The temperature gauge reads high and the engine overheats. The temperature changes erratically. The vehicle’s coolant leaks around the thermostat or under the vehicle.
How do you know if your car thermostat is working?
Start your car’s engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.
How do I know if my thermostat or water pump is bad?
Five Signs Your Water Pump Is Failing Overheating. A dead or dying water pump cannot circulate coolant through your vehicle’s engine and, as such, the engine will overheat. Coolant Leaks. Coolant leaks from the water pump are common and a clear sign that it’s time to replace the pump. Corroded Water Pump. Whining Noises.
Do I need to drain coolant before replacing thermostat?
You don’t need to drain the entire cooling system with a normal top-mounted thermostat. If the engine is hot, don’t drain it. The thermostat housing should be below the level of the radiator tap or bottom hose.
Is it difficult to replace a thermostat?
Upgrading to a thermostat that automatically changes the indoor temperature setting is fairly easy, and it can trim about $180 off your annual heating and cooling costs, according to the EPA. Simple models that only control heat are sold at home centers for around $25.
Can a car thermostat be repaired?
You can either replace the valves with new ones or work the valves back into a position where they can move up and down more freely. Replace the thermostat. This is the last thing you want to do, but if the hoses do not show a blockage or coolant hindrance then the thermostat itself may be malfunctioning.
Can a bad thermostat cause a blown head gasket?
A bad thermostat that doesn’t open and therefore doesn’t send coolant to (and through) the radiator, can cause overheating, which may result in head gasket failure.
How long can a car run hot before damage?
You have around 30 to 60 seconds before you start to do serious damage, such as seized up valves or even pistons, if it reaches maximum hot.
